Not so long ago Wellington's The Phoenix Foundation released the video for the titular anti-ambition anthem of their 6th album Give Up Your Dreams. Featuring a dirty and desperate Bret McKenzie (one half of The Flight of the Conchords and Oscar and Grammy award winner) digging an endless hole somewhere in the Wellington hills, the video is an Andrei Tarkovsky-inspired existential trip directed by fellow Wellingtonian Loren Taylor. The video is a perfect accompaniment to the meditative mood that we find the Foundation in; reflecting on their existence as a band and their place in the musical landscape as they age.

The track itself is peak Phoenix Foundation, with its wryly observed lyrics, driving rhythms and strong synth-led melodies. Despite a droll voice over intoning maxims such as: "Don't let anyone tell you that you're special" and "Don't anyone say that the world is your oyster" in the bridge, this is a joyous and ultimately uplifting affair. Plus, it never hurts to be reminded that "all that we can do about it is be alright about things and get on with stuff".

 

We've just passed the middle of NZ Music Month and so it seems like a good time to share some new local rock tracks that have come out over the last year. I've made the list on spotify, but there's a couple of videos embedded at the bottom of this post if you'd rather check out the music via youtube.

The list includes new songs from long-time favourites like Don McGlashan, Liam Finn, and Sam Flynn Scott (from Phoenix Foundation, but here playing with Bunnies on Ponies). However there's plenty of upcoming acts too - whether it's the catchy rock of Clap Clap Riot, the electro infused sound of She's So Rad, the sixties influenced music of The Eversons or the bluesy approach taken by Streets of Laredo. I did want to put "365" off the latest Dictaphone Blues album on the list, but it's not on Spotify yet so I've chosen an older tune that it's equally great (though the library does have their new album if you want to check out my original pick).
And do have a look at all the events that Auckland Libraries are holding for NZ Music Month - there's something for all ages.

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